Although a Chinese film, Happy Times (to me) illustrates an odd, very westernized story line with perhaps a twist of Chinese culture by not embracing the unrealistic ideals of the body as America practices. The characters provided bits of comic relief to a traumatic theme, and the ending is not truly prepared for considering the amount of time spent creating a heart-warming relationship between Zhao and Wu Ying. But I cannot help to think of this young blind girl being exploited by giving massages to older retired men… it was incredibly hard for the director to persuade me to believe Wu Ying gave messages merely on the idea of self accomplishment and making new friends.
As far as the film’s relation to the Chinese government/affairs, it could be a blind twist on how the government overseas and treats the people of China, as Wu Ying was abused and ordered around by her evil stepmother. It may be a stretch, but I could somehow see the relation.
Word Study: Palme d’Or (pg 704)
The Palme d'Or (English: Golden Palm) is the highest prize awarded to competing films at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the organising committee. From 1939 to 1954, the highest prize was the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film. From 1964 to 1974 it was replaced again by the Grand Prix du Festival.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palme_d'Or
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